"I
applied with 47 agencies and the only one that responded was the
Oak Park Housing Authority. When I came for the interview I was
immediately impressed with the atrium. I have a lovely view from
my apartment and it's a great location, so close to the Austin
El. You form enduring friendships with people here."

Barbara
The Oaks

The Oak Park Housing Authority (OPHA)
is an Illinois municipal corporation that was established
in 1946 to provide housing for returning veterans of World
War II. Today, the OPHA acts as the public housing authority
for Oak Park and administers various Federal programs that
assist the Village’s low-income population in finding
decent and affordable housing.

The OPHA administers the Housing
Choice Voucher (HCV) Program (formerly known as the
Section 8 housing program). This Federally funded program
provides rent subsidies that enable income-qualified participants
to lease privately owned rental housing. Currently, about
450 participants are assisted through the HCV Program.

The OPHA also operates rental housing that is specifically
designed to serve the Village’s low-income elderly
and disabled population. Working with its affiliate,
the Oak
Park Residence Corporation, the OPHA manages 3 rental
developments containing nearly 300 units. Tenants of these
developments receive Federal rent subsidies.